Hard binding
This type is mostly used for final submissions, not drafts. It looks a lot like your regular hardback books.
The cover and spine are stiff and thick. The pages inside are fixed in one place. Many thesis binding services provide a buckram cloth finish to the binding. It adds a textured feel to the thesis.
Soft binding
Soft binding is a lot like the hard one, but the covers are thin and flexible. The pages are bound together using thermal binding. It doesn’t provide the same kind of sturdiness as hard binding, but the document can stand upright on flat surfaces just fine.
The front and back covers are wrapped in library buckram. Unlike hard binding, the pages and covers are the same size.
Both these options seem good enough. It’s okay if you’re still unable to decide. Use this table for help:
| Type of binding | Pros | Cons |
| Hard | Long-lasting Professional look Pages are securely boundSuitable for storage | Costs more than soft binding Weighs more Longer production time |
| Soft | Lightweight Flexible Faster productionCheaper option | Less durable Covers can get damaged Less formal appearance |
Double-sided or single-sided?
This goes without saying, but double-sided printing is more affordable than single-sided. The document will be thinner if you go with the latter. But many universities require single-sided printing.
Check the specific requirements before you get your work printed.
Black and white or color?
You can either go for color printing or black and white printing. It depends on what your university guidelines require. Color printing is going to cost you more than black and white printing.
Pro tip: Go for color printing if your paper has a lot of graphs and figures. It’ll make them easier to understand.
Number of copies
Don’t just get one copy of the document. It’s better to have at least 3 copies. Check your university guidelines, see how many documents they want you to turn in. You might want to keep one for yourself, too.
- Final Checklist
Before you send the document for printing, here’s a list of things to check off your list. You don’t want any last-minute printing disasters right before the submission.
- Save it as a PDF
It will keep the formatting consistent. Consult a thesis editing service for more advice on file types.
So you’ve just finished your thesis. Congratulations! You must be very proud (and relieved). After months of research, you finally made it. The moment surely calls for celebration. But you can’t do it just yet. If you’re wondering why, here’s your answer
You’re only done with half the work.
You can’t submit your thesis without a physical copy of it. Sending a soft copy of it to your supervisors is out of the question. The entire point of a submission is that you hand in a physical document.
So you walk into your university print shop, thinking this shouldn’t take long. It’s just printing, right? It should be simple enough. You’re proven wrong when you’re asked.
“Hard or soft binding?”
That’s when you pause. You didn’t think this through. A hundred questions run through your head. You don’t have the answer to any of them.
Sounds like a situation you can see yourself ending up in? This guide will make sure you never have to deal with such last-minute disasters.
Thesis binding, especially in countries like Canada, can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry. We’ve got your back.
Making the Choice between Hard Vs Soft Binding
Thesis binding comes in many forms, but the main ones are hard and soft binding. Picking between these two can get a little tricky. Here’s a little breakdown to make the decision easier.
The story doesn’t end here. There’s more to thesis binding than you think. Here are some other types of bindings you might have come across.
Spiral
This one’s also called Wir-O binding. The front cover is see-through. The spiral is made from metal, you can choose the color for it.
Spiral binding has a professional appearance. It’s more suitable for a draft submission rather than the final one. The document opens flat, which makes browsing more convenient.
Comb
This is a much cheaper option if you’re only submitting your draft. The best part about it is that it can be opened. So if you want to remove or add pages, go for it.
In addition, it’s highly affordable. But keep in mind, sometimes it looks a little too cheap.
More Printing Choices
Hopefully, by now, you have a clearer idea of what you should choose for your thesis submission.
Once you get this decision out of the way, you need to make some more. These are equally important as choosing the binding type. However, you can skip this part if you’re going for journal publication services Canada instead of handing in a physical copy to your supervisors.
- Proofread and edit
Look for mistakes and fix them; re-printing after spotting them in the printed document is going to cost you both time and money.
People Also Ask
- Can I use spiral binding for my submission?
It depends on the type of submission. Spiral binding is usually more suitable for draft submissions. On the other hand, hardbound documents are preferred for final submissions.
- How many pages can softbound and hardbound covers take?
Hard binding can hold up to 450 pages. On the other hand, soft binding can handle up to 350 pages.
- What color should I choose for the cover?
Black, Navy blue, Maroon, and grey are the most common color choices. You can also go for dark green and brown.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, by now, you have a better idea of what you should choose for your thesis. This gets a bit tricky as a student in Canada, but the simple “Hard or soft binding?” The question won’t puzzle you too much. Now you can confidently tell the print shop exactly what you want.
Remember, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your work; it deserves to look good, too. The appearance should speak for the content inside.
So go ahead and get that final document printed, then hand it to your supervisors. Then take a deep breath and finally celebrate this huge achievement in your scholarly journey.